Here at Bramwell Brown, we design and make our Weather Clocks and Tide Clocks to be both worthy of being hung on your wall and also capable of being part of your home life, as the years tick past.

The parts we use, the way we put the clocks together and the serviceability of our designs means that all the clocks in our range are 'made to last'. 

With this long term ethos in mind, we have created a list of other brands that we feel care in a similar way about longevity. 

They're quite varied but we hope you enjoy any new introductions!

Blunt Umbrellas

Not many people know that the world’s best umbrella was designed in New Zealand but this darling of the Kiwi business world has a global following. Named “Blunt” because of their lack of spike on the end, they are designed to never fold inside out, even in hurricane force winds (if you can hold onto a brolly for that long?!). They also last and last, making one the best umbrella you’ll ever own.

Teva Sandals

Celebrating 40 years of making sandals in 2024, this popular US footwear retailer offers product that lasts a lot longer than might be expected. Testimonials abound of pairs that have been on every family holiday since they were first worn. Their 'Revive Collection' takes you back to some of the designs of 80s. Socks optional.

Islabikes for Children

As with all bike makers, Islabikes have been through financial turmoil post-Covid. That said, their original design for children’s pushbike is as popular as ever. Islabikes are recognised as instigating a generational improvement to the quality of childrens’ bike design. Spare parts are readily available and when your child grows out of frame-size, other parents will be falling over themselves to buy off you, perhaps at the same price you paid.

Vitsoe Shelving

Perhaps best known for their good looking ‘Universal Shelving’ systems, their motto is “Start small. Add to it. Take it with you. Reconfigure it. Hand it on.” With sleek looks, the shelving parts can be grouped together in a way that suits all sorts of rooms. Strong and well made, their re-sale value is demonstrative that if you can’t take them to your new home, someone else will want them. And to top it off, Vitsoe sell via their "Design Service" to ensure you get the best setup on your wall.

Hiut Denim

The Welsh-based brand are of international significance when it comes to setting new norms for the fashion industry. Making just one thing to order - denim jeans - with extreme longevity in mind, the company exudes the goodliness of a brand that saved it’s small town’s dying industry, turns down higher levels of fast fashion profit and still produces apparel desired by British Royalty. Quite the story.

Leatherman Tools

If you were stuck on a deserted island and only had one tool to build shelter, make fire and feed yourself with, pray that it’s a Porland, USA-made ‘Leatherman’. Designed on the basis of reversible pliers with up to 19 other fold out tools, the phrase “imitation is the best form of flattery” rings loud when you see how many have attempted cheap knock-offs there have been. Still Founder-led, the business has been generating a cult following since the early 80s.

Stokke High Chairs

A firm favourite in the Bramwell-family household. The Stokke ‘chair’ or ‘high chair’ in its major form, is as well designed as it is bomb-proof. Adapting its design as your child grows, their resale values, even after years of use, mean that their financial ‘cost’ can be incredibly low. Spare parts or other useful bits and pieces are all available via the Stokke website.

Herman Miller Desk Chairs

Designer and maker of the best office chairs, an investment in a Herman Miller desk chair is also an investment in your posture and health. The original Aeron design was first made in 1994. And whilst we don’t thank the near-120 year old company for the invention of the Office Cubicle in the 1960s, the business is still making lumber supporting seats at its US factory whilst older second and third-hand models continue to change hands at high prices.

Numatic Vacuums

“Henry”, the vacuum cleaner, made by British manufacturer, Numatic, are still going strong since production first began in the 1980s. Often seen in use in commercial environments as well as in the home, these cheery appliances are also very hard wearing and robust. Originally designed for cleaning out fireplaces, owners swear by their bomb-proof qualities. 

Paynter Jackets

London-based Paynter Jackets only sells its jackets from its website four times a year, each time there is a new Limited Edition jacket design. And once it is gone, it’s gone. Yet putting aside the limited nature of its extremely stylish back-catalogue, the company also designs and makes in a way that has low environmental impact and long life in mind. They want you to buy a jacket for life and be proud of it.

Finisterre Clothing

This Cornish-based B-Corp is an inspiration to many in the apparel industry. Going beyond ‘long life’ lip service by reselling its “pre-loved” items and offering clothing repair (or repair tutorials), the company has even now been attempting to crack the hazardous environmental issues around neoprene wetsuit manufacture. A problem that hasn’t been acknowledged by many retailers until recently. 

Lego

Little introduction is needed for Lego. Their recent dalliance with changing the make-up of their plastic bricks from petro to bio-sourced material, gave an insight into how the company is desiring, above all, longevity of their toys. A Lego brick made in the 1980s will still fit beautifully onto a brick made at their Danish factory last week. Above all, they provide generational and wholesome fun in an age when young people struggle with the pressures of digital screen time. 

Darn Tough Socks

Co-Founder, Rob, wears through socks rapidly. Perhaps it's his amateur tap dancing. So it's good to know that Darn Tough make socks 'unconditionally guaranteed for life'. Based in Vermont, USA, the business has rave followers. 

Oshkosh B'gosh

Founded in 1895, Oshkosh is an American children's clothing brand, best known for its iconic bibbed overalls. Chances are, you’ve worn a pair yourself - just ask your parents! It’s a brand close to our hearts, so much so that Co-Founder Rob’s daughter is now rocking a pair passed down from her Mum. Timeless style, truly built to last.

Brio

Founded in Sweden in 1884, Brio began as a small wooden toy company and quickly became known for its high-quality wooden trains and tracks. Over the years, Brio has grown into a global icon, inspiring children’s imaginations with timeless, durable toys.

Whether it’s a first train set or a family heirloom, Brio continues to blend fun with nostalgia, sparking creativity for all generations. We can only imagine how many Brio sets found their way into homes across the UK this Christmas – a true classic loved by kids and adults alike!